Starting a Private School in Arkansas
Regulations, Resources, & Support
Arkansas State Regulations
General Regulations
-
There are no requirements for accreditation, registration, licensing, or approval from the state for private schools in Arkansas, but they do have requirements on incorporation of schools and composition of governing boards.
-
The US Office of Innovation & Improvement has assembled a summary of regulations for private schools in Arkansas.
-
In Arkansas, a home school is a school provided by a parent or legal guardian for his or her own child, and private schools cannot be registered as home schools.
-
Arkansas has no published insurance requirements for schools.
State Funding Sources & Support
Arkansas does not provide funding for private education.
Curriculum Requirements
The language of instruction must be English and an American flag must be displayed on school grounds when school is in session.
Teacher Certification & Hiring
Private school teachers are exempt from certification requirements.
Food Services / Lunch
In Arkansas, school lunch requirements, including funding for schools offering the National School Lunch Program, are managed by the Child Nutrition Unit of the Department of Education.
Length of School Year
Regulations on school day and school year length do not apply to private schools.
Recordkeeping & Reports
The Arkansas Department of Education collects private school information, including: school name, mailing address, number of enrolled students, and grade levels taught, the administrator's name and contact information, and whether the school participates in federal programs for funding.
Healthy & Safety Requirements
Students must have immunizations and be screened for scoliosis. Additionally, schools must provide monthly fire drills and keep all exits unlocked during school hours.
Transportation
There are no state policies regarding private school transportation.
Testing
There are no state requirements for the testing of private school students.
Software That Simplifies & Empowers Your School
Attract students, satisfy parents, and grow your school! With Twine, we keep the administration easy so you can focus on other things.
Arkansas State Resources
State & Regional Associations
-
Arkansas Nonpublic School Accrediting Association -- The mission is to maintain and enhance the quality of education within our diverse member schools through assessment, accountability, and internal review.
-
The Independent Schools Association of the Central States -- A membership organization of more than 235 independent schools from 13 states of the Midwest region.
Government Websites
Helping Educators Do the Work That Matters
Quick Guide Nav
We gathered so much information that we had to break it down into 10 chapters. This free information is well-researched- we even hunted down the rules and regulations for each state! If you're thinking about starting a private school, you will find this guide very handy!
Read the Ultimate Guide to Starting a Private School
We've put together one of the most comprehensive guides to starting a private school. Ready to open your school? Read our free guide!